Travis Hodgson is returning home to coach the Sunbury Lions in the Ballarat Football League next season.
Hodgson, who played his junior football at the club, as well as being a senior premiership player, was announced as the Lions coach this week.
He replaces Ben Jordan, who wasn’t re-signed after two years in the job.
Hodgson said the Lions were the perfect fit for him and would allow him to spend more time with his family.
He had coached Bacchus Marsh for the last three seasons, including to the 2016 premiership. He was contracted to coach them next season, but decided not to.
“I live in the town [Sunbury] and my four kids play there,” he said. “It’s good to be back.
“I loved my time at Bacchus Marsh, but the travel over three seasons got too much.”
Hodgson said when he decided not to take up his fourth year at Bacchus Marsh, he didn’t see himself coaching the Lions next year.
He said while there was plans for him to possibly coach Sunbury in 2020, it was only circumstances that saw it come forward a year.
The Lions were looking at coaches for next season, when the news of Hodgson standing down broke.
“It all happened pretty quickly,” he said.
“I saw myself coaching Sunbury in 2020. It’s funny as going back to 2008 they’ve tried to get me to the club but we’ve missed each other multiple times.
“All of a sudden it’s a perfect fit.”
Hodgson said he was looking forward to the challenge of helping the Lions move up the ladder and return to finals. He said the club had the right people in charge to make that happen.
The Lions missed finals this year for the first time since they moved to the BFL.
“They’ve been a powerful club for so many years,” he said.
“Bacchus Marsh before 2016 and Melton now, they fell out of finals and it took them a long time to get back. It becomes a bit of a cycle.
“I’m going to work really hard to bring the club back to where it belongs. Success and this club has come hand in hand.”
Hodgson said there was some good foundations at the club to help them rise up the ladder, but they need to add a bit more A-grade talent to the list.
He highlighted the under-18.5s making the grand final and the club’s now strong junior program, as encouraging signs for the future.
“We’re in pretty good shape,” he said. “Two of the better players this season were young players Mitch Conn and Lachie Bramble, who are VFL aligned.
“If we can add a couple more players that are capable like that, on a more permanent basis it would be good.”
Lions president Hedley Duhau said they were happy to have Hodgson as coach next season.
“We feel that he is the right man for the job,” he said.
“Hopefully he can develop the list and Travis brings a range of skill sets and the club is very happy.
“He’s not only a local, but he also brings a good record in regards to coaching and developing young lists.”
The club has also announced that Phil Lithgow will coach their women’s side next season.
